Hutchison Farm Director Receives Garden Club of America Award

This award celebrates educators who inspire children to appreciate the beauty of our planet. Through her vision and dedication, Chesney fosters wonder, responsibility, and lasting stewardship through meaningful, hands-on learning about horticulture and the natural world that will shape their choices for decades to come.

From our youngest learners exploring the organic farm with curiosity to our fourth graders running a plant sale that teaches both horticulture and environmental responsibility, Chesney has integrated classroom science standards with hands-on environmental practice. Her curriculum tackles essential concepts such as plant growth, soil health, erosion, and pollinator ecology—not through textbooks, but through the tactile, transformative experience of working the land alongside her.

The impact of the program Alison leads extends across all grade levels, ensuring that environmental literacy deepens as our students grow and mature. She partners with upper school science teachers to support specialized investigations, from constructing bug habitats for zoology to exploring organic farming practices.

“Since assuming leadership of the Hutchison Farm in 2021, Ali has single-handedly transformed a piece of school land into one of the most vibrant, inclusive, and educationally rich outdoor learning laboratories I have ever encountered,” said Dr. Kristen Ring, CEO and Head of School. “What began as an ambitious vision has become a developmentally progressive, fully organic farm program that reaches every girl at Hutchison from age 2 through 18. In an era when many schools struggle to move environmental education beyond the pages of a textbook, Ali has made the land itself the curriculum, the laboratory, and the inspiration.”

Chesney, who recently moved to North Carolina with her family as her husband takes on a new leadership role, is leaving the Dobbs Farm in good hands. Third grade teacher Lauren Perry is transitioning into the role of farm director.